This archived Twitter chat is from June, 2017 and will open in Storify. View this archive to learn tips and tools to use when teaching STEM. Learn what STEM means (also referred to as STEAM). Browse the strategies offered by the chat moderators and participants.

In the Classroom

Do you teach STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)? Check out this archived chat for tools and tips to use in your classroom. Share this tool with your colleagues interested in learning more tips and tools to use in STEM lessons.

Inquiry in Action offers free, inquiry-based science lessons teaching physical science and chemistry concepts. All activities come from a book of the same title, available to download for free on this site. Choose from the most popular activities, lessons reviewing chemistry fundamentals, or browse through all activities. Lessons include complete instructions along with printable activity sheets and assessments. In addition to the lessons, be sure to check out the Chemistry Review portion of the site for a refresher on the principles of chemistry.

In the Classroom

Take advantage of the many free lessons and resources on this site. Share a link to the Chemistry Review on your class website for student use at any time. If you are beginning the process of integrating technology, have students create blogs sharing their science learning process using Throwww, here. Throwww enables you to create "quick and easy" blogs to be used one time only, and to share your blog with a unique URL, and is as easy as using a basic Word program! Challenge cooperative learning groups to create videos demonstrating their inquiry science activities. If you or your students are less experienced with technology, use a tool such as Powtoon, reviewed here. Those who are more experienced might try using a tool like Stupeflix, reviewed here, and share them on a site such as TeacherTube reviewed here.

Teach or learn through high-quality online courses offered by the Open Learning Initiative. Choose from available courses in a variety of subjects for full course information including topics covered, estimated completion time, and software required. Classes are free for independent learning. Set up and teach your own course by registering for an instructor account. Instructor accounts allow members to access tools to assess student learning and provide credit for course completion.

In the Classroom

Take advantage of content in courses to supplement your current lessons. No registration is required to access and view course information. Share this site with gifted students or students with interests in specific academic areas not covered in your current curriculum. Create a course and offer it to your students for greater interaction and learning through community building. Find great ideas from other existing courses. Teachers of gifted can use courses to challenge students in their areas of interest. You can also have gifted students create or collaborate on a student-made "course." Explore the topics for some new, engaging topics to round out your own expertise. Allow students to enroll in a course that would fit into their career goals as an exploratory opportunity in that field. The Open Learning Initiative would also be perfect for setting up directions and steps for any projects you require students to do for your class. The program will integrate with some learning management systems.

Learn all about the science of fireworks with this video presentation from Exploratorium. Discover the chemistry and history behind fireworks as you learn what creates the colors and varying patterns seen in modern fireworks.

In the Classroom

Have students create a simple infographic about fireworks using Easel.ly, reviewed here or Venngage reviewed here. Use this video as a model and have students research the origins of other common items. Have students upload a photo they have taken and add voice bubbles to explain what they learned using a tool such as Superlame, reviewed here.

Build and view atom structures with this drag and drop interactive. Enter the symbol for any of the first 20 elements into the box to see the structure including electrons, neutrons, and protons. Build your atom by dragging and dropping features onto the template. As you drag and drop, the display indicates the chemical formed.

In the Classroom

This site is perfect for use on your interactive whiteboard. Explore atoms together as you experiment with dragging and dropping different parts of atoms onto the interactive. Have students explore this site on their own by sharing a link on classroom computers. Include this site as part of your introduction to elements and the periodic table.

Reactions is a YouTube Channel from the American Chemical Society exploring chemistry in our everyday lives. Watch these short videos and learn answers to questions such as why onions make us cry and the chemistry of poison ivy. Be sure to check out the various playlists offered with topics including superhero science and hair chemistry. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable. You could always view them at home and bring them to class "on a stick" to share. Use a tool such as Freemake Video Converter, reviewed here, to download the videos from YouTube.This site includes advertising.

In the Classroom

Share a video with students once a week to help all of you learn about the chemistry in our everyday lives. Flip your classroom and use a video as homework. Have students take notes on the material and write down questions they still have and topics that confuse them. Or, use a tool like playposit (formerly eduCanon), reviewed here, for students to pause videos and ask or answer questions right on the video. These activities can help uncover student misconceptions. Show the video to the class, and then discuss the concept at length.

iExloreSTEM is a volunteer community dedicated to bringing STEM activities and festivals to local communities in and near Iowa; the ideas and resources can apply to any state. The site includes information and resources for planning STEM festivals and creating safe activities. Scroll down the page to find several sample activities listed by discipline including architecture, engineering, and more. Other useful resources include links to STEM career information and STEM links to specific states.

In the Classroom

Take advantage of the free activities, videos, and other resources throughout the year. Be sure to bookmark this site to search for resources for any lesson. Share a link to specific lessons and activities on your class website for use at home. Include STEM career information with any career exploration unit. After completing STEM activities, challenge students to create a presentation using Prezi, reviewed here, to share their results and learning process.

Sylvia's Super-Awesome Maker Show! is the website created by a California teen to share her enthusiasm for science through demonstrations and web shows. View videos as Sylvia demonstrates how to to make sidewalk chalk, builds a cardboard periscope, experiments with squishy circuits, and much more. In addition to the entertaining videos, the site also includes several printables with additional directions for creating projects. If your district blocks YouTube, the web shows may not be viewable. You could always view the videos at home and bring them to class "on a stick" to share. Use a tool such as Freemake Video Converter, reviewed here, to download the videos from YouTube.This site includes advertising.

In the Classroom

A young female teen, science, and maker ed - the perfect ingredients to get girls interested in science! Sylvia's web shows could be an excellent "back door" to creating female student interest in science! Share videos with students as part of your plan to implement maker spaces in your classroom. Use Sylvia's presentations as a model, then have students create videos demonstrating classroom projects and experiments using a tool like Stupeflix, reviewed here, and then share them on a site such as TeacherTube, reviewed here. Have cooperative learning groups create podcasts demonstrating their experiments. Use a site such as podOmatic, reviewed here.

Stem in 30 is an interactive classroom offering 30-minute webcasts for middle school students. Interact with scientists by asking questions, participate in polls, and receive resources for follow-up activities. Don't worry if you can't attend, view the archives of all past presentations to enjoy at your convenience. Previous topics include Moon Rocks!, Time and Navigation, and WW1: How History Shaped Technology. Most archived recordings include correlation to Next Generation Science Standards. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable. You could always view them at home and bring them to class "on a stick" to share. Use a tool such as KeepVid, reviewed here, to download the videos from YouTube.

In the Classroom

Share webinars on your class website for students to view at home. Check the site's homepage for upcoming webinars, then participate with your class. Check Twitter to see if your class can follow any of the presenting scientists. If you are lucky enough to live in the Washington, DC area, contact the museum to attend a live taping. After viewing a webinar, have students create a multimedia presentation using Voicethread, reviewed here. Voicethread allows users to narrate a picture. Challenge students to find a photo (legally permitted to be reproduced), and then narrate the photo as if it is a news report. STEM in 30 is also a great resource for gifted students to get involved with their own challenges and pursuits.

Emoji Science takes the simple and understandable world of emojis to explain complex science concepts. Explore the Emoji Table of Experiments to find videos (with special guests), do it yourself science experiments, and more. The broad range of topics includes content such as super materials, the human brain, and plants. Scroll down the homepage to find the link to Emoji Education that includes lesson plans aligned to standards. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable. You could always view them at home and bring them to class "on a stick" to share. Use a tool such as KeepVid, reviewed here, to download the videos from YouTube.

In the Classroom

Take advantage of the free lesson plans available on Emoji Science. Enjoy exploring the site with students on an interactive whiteboard or allow them to explore on their own. Use this site to introduce science concepts in an entertaining way. At the end of your unit, have cooperative learning groups create podcasts demonstrating their understanding of one of the concepts. Use a site such as PodOmatic, reviewed here. Have students create a multimedia presentation of science topics using Voicethread, reviewed here. This site allows users to narrate a picture. Challenge students to find a photo (legally permitted to be reproduced), and then narrate the photo as if it is a news report.

At Good Thinking find short videos addressing common misconceptions about science topics and pedagogical subjects such as student motivation. Watch the introductory video for a complete overview of the offerings. In addition to videos, Good Thinking offers curriculum resources and lessons. Check the box for Free Resources to narrow your search for only the free materials available. If your district blocks YouTube, the intro video may not be viewable. You could always view it at home and bring it to class "on a stick" to share. Use a tool such as KeepVid, reviewed here, to download the video from YouTube.

In the Classroom

Take advantage of the many free class materials available on the site for use in lessons and activities. Use this site as the starting point for individual or group projects. Share videos on your class website for students to view at home. Then have students create an online or printed comic comparing misconceptions to the truth using Write Comics, reviewed here or Printable Comic Strip Templates, reviewed here. Have students create a word cloud of the important terms they learn from this site using a tool such as Wordle, reviewed here, or WordItOut, reviewed here. Be sure to share professional information with peers during professional development sessions or grade level discussions.

Explore the science behind the hidden world of nanotechnology, where you measure objects in the billionths of meters. Six videos offered by NBC Learn in partnership with the National Science Foundation discuss Nanotechnology at the Surface, Nanoelectronics, Nanoarchitecture, Nano-Enabled Sensors, and Nanoparticles, plus quantum dots and working in nanoscale. Videos are approximately 5 to 6 minutes in length with a transcript. Although part of a larger site that charges for access, these videos and lessons are all free.This site includes advertising.

In the Classroom

Use this site as an anticipatory set or "activator" to introduce a unit or lesson in chemistry or physical science class. Divide students into cooperative learning groups to explore the site. Have each group choose a video to use as a launching pad for further study. Have students create an annotated image, including text boxes and related links using a tool such as Thinglink, reviewed here. Place the videos on your classroom website or blog for students to explore on their own. Flip your instruction and as an assignment have your students watch the videos before class time to build background knowledge. Review nonfiction reading strategies with students before having students read transcripts. Have students explore STEM careers by researching the jobs of the scientists interviewed.

Don't let the business in the name fool you, this YouTube channel is all about science! Watch videos with the latest news in science, space, and medicine with new content added each week. Scroll through the page to find the latest videos or explore playlists with topics such as Explainers and Psychology. Most videos run less than three minutes in length, making them perfect for a snack-sized bite of science information! If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable. You could always view the videos at home and bring them to class "on a stick" to share. Use a tool such as KeepVid, reviewed here, to download the videos from YouTube.This site includes advertising.

In the Classroom

Share a video with students once a week to help all of you learn about the latest information from the world of science. Flip your classroom and use a video as homework. Have students take notes on the material and write down questions they still have and topics that confuse them. Or, use a tool like eduCanon, reviewed here, for students to pause videos and ask or answer questions right on the video. These activities can help uncover student misconceptions. Show the video to the class, and then discuss the concept at length.

Maintained by a company that sells pool accessories, this collection of links on swimming, swimming pools, and water-related topics helps teach students about being safe around water. Scroll down the page to see resources organized by grade levels and content areas. The links include research articles, videos, lesson plans, worksheets, experiments, activities and games for science, math and history classes. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable. You could always view them at home and bring them to class "on a stick" to share. Use a tool such as KeepVid, reviewed here, to download the videos from YouTube.This site includes advertising.

In the Classroom

Follow these links for some supplemental materials to enliven lessons that could include water as a recreational resource. Science teachers will find real world applications and information about chemicals. Use interactive boards to show videos and activities as whole group lessons. Have students read articles for informational reading practice. Use the resources for flipped or blended learning links on your class website for individual or small group work.

Discover, create, and share digital resources from the Smithsonian Museum, the National Zoo, and nine major research centers with this visually appealing site. Use the search feature to find digital resources including photos, recordings, videos, and text. Sign up to create your own collections, including those found on the site and your own resources. Add annotations and develop quizzes. Easily share your creations or curated collections using social networking links provided. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable. You could always view them at home and bring them to class "on a stick" to share. Use a tool such as KeepVid, reviewed here, to download the videos from YouTube.

In the Classroom

The Smithsonian Learning Lab is a must-add to your list of classroom bookmarks! Search for collections and information throughout the year on all topics. Add a link to classroom computers for the entire site or specific collections. Be sure to take advantage of the many features of this site to create customized collections, then have students add additional resources. Have students create quizzes for review of topics. Challenge students to create a simple infographic sharing their findings using Easel.ly, reviewed here.

Study Jam offers engaging instruction and review activities in both math and science. Some sample science topics include plants, human body, the solar system, weather, matter, and more. Math topics include numbers (place value, number lines, estimation), algebra, addition/subtraction, problem solving, and others. Don't miss the "Jams" sure to excite your students to learn new skills in a musical and entertaining manner. Key vocabulary is presented along with a short video explanation of each topic. In addition to the video, there is an option to test your own ability. Each topic can also be printed to use in the classroom and there is a link to related "jams."

In the Classroom

Excite your students with the Jams! Share the Jam videos on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Have students sing along and learn more about science and math. Especially younger students will enjoy this feature. Create a link to the site on your classroom website or blog for students to use for review and practice at home. Use the many topics available to differentiate for all students in your classroom. Create learning centers using this site or use it in on individual laptops. Print out the quizzes for students to take as an assessment.

This collection of free streaming videos, mostly under six minutes, supports school curriculum using material from NBC News, one of the largest news archives in the world. Topics include language arts, humanities and social sciences, and parenting information. The majority of videos feature STEM content. Specific sample topics include: Mysteries of the Brain, Writers Speak to Kids, Science of NFL Football, and many others. All videos include transcripts. Some have lesson plans and/or activities which are available in a side tab in the video window when launched. Most have closed captioning, and a few have a Spanish language option. The majority of NBC Learn, the educational arm of NBC News, is fee-based. This review is for the free material.This site includes advertising.

In the Classroom

This site is perfect for flipped or blended learning classrooms but will spark interest in most classroom lessons. Use the search box in the upper right corner to find free content of interest. NBC Learn uses a proprietary media player "Cue Card," and provides suggestions if you are having trouble playing. The whole class can watch the videos, many of which are parts of a series. Have individuals or small groups view and share information. The transcripts and close captioning will be helpful for struggling learners. Transcripts can be used alone for informational text reading practice.

Fun Science Demos is a YouTube Channel devoted to sharing engaging science lessons for young learners based on Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Choose from popular videos such as Balancing Balloons - Air Has Weight or Muscles Moving Your Bones. Be sure to check out the playlists to find videos categorized by topic. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable. You could always view the videos at home and bring them to class "on a stick" to share. Use a tool such as KeepVid, reviewed here, to download the videos from YouTube.

In the Classroom

Flip your classroom and use a video as homework. Have students take notes on the material and write down questions they still have and topics that confuse them. Or, use a tool like playposit, (formerly eduCanon), reviewed here, for students to pause videos and ask or answer questions right on the video. These activities can uncover misconceptions. Show the video to the class, and then discuss the concept at length. To share a single video from this site without all the YouTube clutter, use a tool such as SafeShareTV, reviewed here, and create a shortcut to the SafeShare page directly on the desktop. For more advanced classes, provide time for students to choose a video to view and research the underlying concept.

Science Underground is a weekly two-minute podcast featuring science concepts presented in an uncomplicated manner. As the creator states, "...it's a mix of Bill Nye and Science Friday." Topics range from Football Science to How Chameleons Change Color. Choose any podcast to listen online and view the corresponding text. Use the tags for each podcast to find other offerings with related content. Either sign up to receive an email notification or check back often for new podcasts, also, see the archives to listen to any previous podcasts.

In the Classroom

Listen to weekly podcasts together in class to stimulate discussion and interest in science topics. Assign the weekly podcast as listening homework. Have students create a series of questions to ask each other about issues discussed on the podcast. Have cooperative learning groups create podcasts demonstrating their understanding of one of the concepts. Use a site such as PodOmatic, reviewed here.

With topics from Biology to Engineering, and Environmental Science to Sports Science you'll find a science fair project to suit your interests. All Science Fair Projects has thousands of projects from which to choose. Search by keyword or category. For instance, searching for "cell" produced four pages of projects, and these are NOT just the normal ones about human or plant cells. Find projects for cell phones, Galvanic cells, solar cells, nicotine and cancer, sunscreen and cells, and more. Not only will you have names and a brief description of the project, but the grade level and category. Clicking a project that looks interesting will get you a summary of the project and a link for the exact details. Also listed on that page are links to the "all time most popular science projects" and "you might also like these projects."This site includes advertising.

In the Classroom

Introduce this tool to students on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Create a link on your class website for students and parents to access at home. Assign a science experiment for students to try at home on a bi-weekly basis; this will help students and parents be prepared when science fair time comes around. Allow older students to work together in small groups to investigate and complete the experiments. They could physically work together, or do the projects on their own and report the results and findings back to their group. Use a tool such as Live, reviewed here, or Simply Circle, reviewed here, to help students keep their group organized and communicating. For younger students use Simply Circle and include their parents to keep them informed about which project is due and when.